Thad Smith

TS Thad J. Smith

Athletic Hall of Fame

Date of Induction: October 1, 2017

Thad J. Smith was a member of the Delaware Valley High School class of 1987.  Active in his class, he served on Student Council from 1983-87, participated in the Environmental Olympics in 1986 and 1987, and attended the Rotary Club Leadership Camp in 1985. Thad was inducted into the National Honor Society and received an outstanding athlete award from Elmer’s Restaurant in 1987. He was the Tri State Gazette Athlete of the month in January 1987.

Thad achieved great success as a high school athlete in baseball, cross country, and wrestling.  He was selected to the First Team NAC baseball team in 1987.  As a wrestler, he served as team captain in 1984, 1986, and 1987, was selected the team Outstanding Wrestler in 1984 and 1987, and won the District Championship in 1985 and 1987. Thad was chosen the District 12 Tournament Outstanding Wrestler in 1987, and was the Referee’s Outstanding Wrestler in 1986 and 1987.

Thad attended Arizona State University from 1987 to 1988 where his wrestling career ended due to a recurring shoulder injury.  He completed his college undergraduate work at East Stroudsburg University in December 1991, receiving a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education/Social Studies.  While at East Stroudsburg, he played on the Men’s Rugby Football team.  He received an M. ED from Wilkes University in January 2004. 

Thad has been an eighth grade social studies teacher at East Penn School District since 1993.  He has served as Social Studies Department Chairman since 2005.  Extremely active in his school and community, he has coached wrestling at Nazareth Area High School, Emmaus High School, Northwestern Lehigh High School, Muhlenberg College, and Emmaus Middle School.  His teams have produced multiple championships, individual champions, and qualifiers to state tournaments.  Additionally, Thad has coached softball, baseball, and cross country.